Entertainment System

ABSTRACT

A personal entertainment system is disclosed for providing multiple electronic applications for gaming, education, entertainment, business and interaction among users. It includes a cabinet with a user control panel. One or more display screens display a plurality of features singularly and concurrently. Multiple devices provide user input, output, and interaction such as programmable function keys, at least one touch screen, ticket in and ticket out, receipt printing, and television via satellite, cable or other connection, and a dedicated advertising screen with its own associated interaction button. One or more secured cashless devices activate the system and access a user&#39;s account for credits, payments, and other selective information. A 3 dimensional stereo sound system and microphone input is provided to enhance selected applications. Edge effect lighting along the cabinet enhances appearance, highlights particular systems and provides system status information. An optional chair includes other devices for sound, game control, and comfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to electronic gaming and other,general-purpose entertainment, education and video devices having aconfigurable customizable enclosure and, more particularly, toelectronic gambling devices designed for use in casinos. Specifically,the present invention relates to a customizable personal entertainmentsystem for providing multiple electronic features for a player thereofand which is readily adaptable for the environment into which it isplaced.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A wide variety of gaming and other machines currently exist that havemechanical or video reels and/or displays with symbols thereon alongwith bonus schemes in which a player has one or more opportunities toselect one or more symbols from a group of symbols to receive credits orbonus values. Examples of such gaming and other machines include arcadegames, slot machines, video slot machines, video blackjack machines,video poker, video keno, video bingo and the like. These machines can bedesigned for use as pure entertainment and may be placed in virtuallyany location, or they may be designed for use as gambling devices andare therefore limited to locations were gambling is permitted. In eitherevent, these machines may be individual or several stand-alone machines,or there may be many such machines bundled in close proximity to eachother such as in casinos.

The gaming based entertainment industry has undergone significantchanges in the last number of years. Less than 25 years ago, casinoswere located in a relatively few concentrated areas of the world ingeneral and the United States in particular. However, today there issome form of gambling activity in almost all 50 states. The mix ofactivities available to customers utilizing them within the casinos 25years ago was also very different from that of today. In the recentpast, tourists typically came from far away to experience theextravagance and glamour of the exotic and somewhat forbidden art ofgambling. They came to casinos in dressy attire to attend stage shows,dine elegantly and possibly win at one of the various gambling venuesavailable. Most of the gambling was done at the poker, craps andblackjack tables and, to a lesser degree, at mechanical slot machines.

By contrast, the customers in today's casino look and dress very muchlike they are attending a local restaurant. In addition, a wide range ofages can be seen somewhere in the casino environment. While youngstersunder age are not gambling due to strict legal regulations, nearly everysuch gambling facility provides some form of entertainment for all ages.Some of the newer, lavish environments in Las Vegas have enormousamounts of their square footage dedicated to rides, video arcades andvirtual reality experiences designed to specifically attract families'including children.

Gambling has gone through a complete metamorphosis as well. Rarely isthe casino player dressed in a tuxedo or long cocktail dress and seatedat a table playing poker, blackjack or the high-stakes game of baccarat.While such games are still being played, the players are most oftendressed in shorts and sandals. The proportion of game types has alsochanged dramatically. The dedicated gambling floor space of the 1970'sand 1980's was approximately 75% table games and 25% mechanical orelectronic machines. Today, that ratio is completely reversed. Not onlyhas electronic gaming and other pushed its way into the casino andusurped much of the available floor space, but customers may also standin line sometimes waiting to get to certain popular machines.Consequently, groups of machines are frequently bundled together foreach type of gambling activity, such as video poker, video keno, videoslots and the like, so that a player desiring to play a particular gamemay readily find it in a certain location in the casino. As a result,some players may sit in front of one or two machines for an extendedperiod of time continuing to play that favorite machine or two. On theother hand, in order to experience a diversity of games, players willfrequently move from machine to machine-seeking diversity inentertainment.

With the above changes, new types of players have emerged. The new,younger players are not intimidated by exciting new electronic games.These younger customers are accustomed to television, computers, graphicaction in movies, and extremely competitive interactive video games. Asa result, the electronic gaming and other industry has begun toincorporate some of the sights and sounds similar to video games withthe electronic gambling machines. However, such younger players are alsointerested in diversity of gaming and other activities. As a result,players still move from machine to machine to achieve such diversity. Ithas been found, however, that this random movement from machine tomachine for diversity creates both down time for players as well as formachines. It has also been found that revenues to casinos and arcadesincrease significantly when a player remains at a single machine for anextended period of time. Unfortunately, present-day electronic gamingand other machines are not designed to provide such diversity in gamingand other activity as well as player comfort over an extended period oftime. Therefore, there remains a need in the art for such a system ordevice, and the present invention addresses and solves this particularproblem in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide apersonal electronic gaming and other system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an electronictechnology platform that is adapted for multiple electronic game,entertainment, and educational options for a player thereof for to beplayed individually or simultaneously.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electronicplatform for simultaneous gaming and other options and which has aconfigurable cabinet and Graphical User Interface (GUI) withchameleonic-like adaptability for the environment into which it isplaced.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide anelectronic platform for playing a plurality of gambling activitiessimultaneously while providing a virtual seamless portal for the playerto the surrounding environment.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with thepurpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly describedherein, a personal entertainment system is disclosed for providingmultiple electronic game and other features and options for a playerthereof. The system includes a console cabinet having a back element andwhich defines a customizable and configurable enclosure with a frontopening. A control panel projects outwardly from the back element towardthe front opening. At least one display screen is positioned on the backelement above the control panel and is viewable by a player from thefront opening. The preferred embodiment has 3 display screens side byside on the back element. The display screen is adapted to display oneor more of a plurality of electronic games selectively available to aplayer. At least one set of a plurality of programmable format keys orother input device such as an auxiliary touch screen are positioned foruse in selecting one or more games to be played and displayed on thedisplay screen. In addition, at least one main touch screen is alsopositioned on the control panel. A set of a plurality of programmablecontrol keys or other input device such as an auxiliary touch screen ispositioned for use in activating a plurality of functions associatedwith the main touch screen, the main touch screen functions includinginteraction with the display screen, interaction with facilities remoteto the console, and for use in selecting one or more games to be playedand displayed on said touch screen. A secured smart access activationmember is provided along the control panel for activating the system andfor accessing preselected information on a player smart card concerninga player's money credit and payment information and other selectiveinformation. A mechanism is provided for connecting a display screen toa remote program including a video program and a television broadcastprogram for selective operation by a player. Finally, a chair may bedisposed in a fixed position relative to the console at the consoleenclosure front opening for use by a player when operating the system.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the entertainment systemincludes three display screens aligned substantially side by side acrossthe back element, and an auxiliary touch screen with the auxiliary touchscreen being positioned on the control panel below and associated withan outwardly positioned display screen for interacting with theassociated outwardly positioned display screen. In one aspect of thismodification, the main touch screen and the set of programmable controlkeys positioned on the control panel below the touch screen control thecenter display screen of the three display screens.

In another modification of the invention, the entertainment systemfurther includes a receipt printer associated with the control panel forprinting receipts for services and items coordinated by the control keysand received by a player while utilizing the system. In addition, thesystem may include a pin entry associated the said main touch screen andthe smart access activation member.

In yet another modification, the entertainment system is adapted formultiple concurrent uses in providing multiple electronic activitiessimultaneously while they are displayed on one or more of the displayscreens and touch screen. In one aspect of the invention, the set ofprogrammable control keys includes a key for ordering food delivery fromthe remote facilities to the console cabinet, a key for ordering liquidrefreshment delivery from the remote facilities to the console cabinet,a video play key, a television play key, and a pause key for suspendingplayer interaction for player breaks while gaming and other activitiescontinue.

In another modification of the invention, the remote facilities includea restaurant and bar located in a building environment containing theentertainment system. In one aspect of this, the system includes avirtual restaurant display associated with a key for ordering fooddelivery and a virtual bar display associated with a key for orderingliquid refreshment delivery, the virtual displays being exhibited on oneor more of the display screens. In particular, the virtual restaurantand the virtual bar displays reflect the actual counterpart facilitiesin the building environment wherein the environment system is located.

Still another modification of the invention includes the entertainmentsystem being adapted to interact with other remotely locatedentertainment systems for head-to-head gaming and other activities.

Another variation of the invention includes the control panel beingoriented angularly downwardly relative to the back element and contouredfor a terrain effect in a manner to substantially inhibit placement ofarticles thereon. Additionally, the cabinet and control panel includemolded and contoured corners and edges to substantially eliminate sharpedges and points.

In still another variation, the entertainment system includes the chairbeing height and distance adjustable relative to the cabinet, the chairfurther including first and second movable and foldable arms along witha contained sound system interacting with the display and touch screens.One aspect of this variation has the first and second arms including abeverage holder, a smokeless ashtray, a foldable tray, and a storagecompartment for personal articles.

Still another modification involves the entertainment system cabinethaving a footrest disposed beneath the console, and a cooling element isalso disposed beneath the console for aerating a player's feet and legs.

A further aspect of the invention includes the entertainment systemhaving a small flat panel screen disposed on the control panel offsetfrom the main touch screen for providing selective advertisinginformation to a player.

In another modification of the invention, a video-based electronicgaming and other system is disclosed for providing multiple,simultaneous electronic game activities for a player thereof, the gamingand other system having chameleonic-like adaptation capability to blendin with the environment in which the system is placed. In thismodification, the system includes a console cabinet enclosure having aback element and side elements forming a partial enclosure with a frontopening. A control panel projects outwardly from the back element towardthe front opening, the cabinet outer surface material being formed fromthermoform plastic or other materials and manufacturing processes asappropriate having graphics and colors reflecting and adapting to theenvironment in which the cabinet is placed. The control panel isoriented angularly downwardly relative to the back and side elements andis also contoured for a terrain effect in a manner to substantiallyinhibit placement of beverage containers and other articles thereon. Aplurality of three display screens are aligned substantially adjacenteach other across the back element above the control panel and areviewable by a player from the front opening. The display screens areadapted to display one or more of a plurality of electronic gamesselectively available to a player. Two sets of a plurality ofprogrammable format keys are positioned on the control panel, with eachset of format keys being associated with an outwardly positioned displayscreen for interacting with the associated outwardly positioned displayscreen for use in selecting one or more games to be played and displayedon the associated display screen. At least one main touch screen ispositioned on the control panel. A set of a plurality of programmablecontrol keys are positioned on the control panel below the main touchscreen for use in activating a plurality of functions associated withthe touch screen, the main touch screen functions including interactionwith the display screen, interaction with facilities remote to theconsole within the environment in which the system is placed, and use inselecting one or more games to be played and displayed on said touchscreen. A secured smart access activation member is disposed along thecontrol panel for activating the system and for accessing preselectedinformation on a player smart card concerning a player's credit andpayment information and other selective information. A mechanism is alsoprovided for connecting a display screen to a remote program including avideo program and a television broadcast program for selective operationby a player using the format keys or other input device such as anauxiliary touch screen are. Finally, a chair is provided fixed relativeto the console at the console enclosure front opening for use by aplayer when operating the system.

A further modification of the invention includes a video-basedelectronic gambling device for providing multiple, simultaneouselectronic gambling activities for a player thereof. The device haschameleonic-like adaptation capabilities to blend in with the facilityenvironment in which the device is placed, the facility environmenthaving additional facilities therein including a restaurant and a bar.The device includes a console cabinet, which is defined by a back memberand a pair of side elements projecting there from forming a partialenclosure with a front opening. The cabinet has an outer surface formedfrom a thermoform plastic or other material and manufacturing processesas appropriate having selectively variable graphics and colorsreflecting and adapting to the facility environment in which the cabinetis placed. A control panel is provided projecting outwardly from theinner surface of the back member toward the front opening. The controlpanel is oriented angularly downwardly relative to the back member andside elements and is also contoured for a terrain surface effect in amanner to substantially inhibit placement of beverage containers andother articles thereon. The outer surface of the control panel includesthermoform plastic having selectively variable graphics and colors alsoreflecting and adapting to the facility environment in which the cabinetis placed. A plurality of three display screens are alignedsubstantially adjacent each other along the inner surface of the backmember above the control panel and are viewable by a player from thefront opening. The display screens are adapted to display one or more ofa plurality of electronic games selectively available to a player, thedisplay screens operating and displaying images independent of eachother as well as jointly together in one large display image. At leastone main touch screen is positioned on the control panel.

A chameleonic-like adaptation feature is provided in the form of thecabinet enclosure graphic and color selection as well as the pluralityof electronic gambling activities variably pre-selected for operation bythe device to suit and reflect the facility environment in which thedevice is placed. A pair of sets of programmable format keys or otherinput device such as an auxiliary touch screen is positioned on thecontrol panel. Each set of format keys or other input device such as anauxiliary touch screen are has a plurality of format keys associatedwith one of two outwardly positioned display screens for interactingwith the associated outwardly positioned display screen for use inselecting one or more games to be played and displayed on the associateddisplay screen. A set of a plurality of programmable control keys orother input device such as an auxiliary touch screen are also positionedon the control panel below the main touch screen for use in activating aplurality of functions associated with the touch screen. The main touchscreen functions include interaction with the display screens,interaction with facilities remote to the device within the facilityenvironment in which the device is placed, and use in selecting one ormore games to be played and displayed on said touch screen. A securedsmart access activation member is disposed along the control panel foractivating the device and for accessing preselected information on aplayer smart card concerning a player's credit limits, winnings,purchases, and other payment and variably selective information. Amechanism is provided for connecting one or more of the display screensto a remote program including a video program and a television broadcastprogram for selective operation by a player using the format keys orother input device such as an auxiliary touch screen whilesimultaneously continuing to participate in the electronic gambling orother activities. An electromagnetic interference shielding mechanismsurrounds the device to prevent electronic intervention and intrusionfrom other such devices disposed proximate thereto as well as to preventelectronic tampering with the operation of the gambling activities.Finally, a chair is fixed relative to the console cabinet at the consoleenclosure front opening for use by a player when operating the systemand is adapted to provide player comfort for extended sitting periods. Afurther aspect of the invention includes a variation on the embodimentwherein the personal entertainment system operates in a stand-aloneenvironment. In the preferred embodiment, the personal entertainmentsystem operates in a community environment using a secure network andintegrated with an operational server for coordinated gaming, education,Military or business operations such as casino gaming, classroom orremote classroom environment, strategic or tactical training andcoordination, or business operations and coordination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with a description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a device for anentertainment system constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a chair embodiment useful in thesystem embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another device embodiment usefulin the entertainment system of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Exemplary Embodiments Referring first toFIG. 1, a personal entertainment system 10 with a configurable enclosure11 is illustrated. The personal entertainment system 10 is designed toprovide multiple electronic game, entertainment, and educational optionsfor players thereof without requiring that the player move to adifferent machine to experience a different gaming and other activity.The personal entertainment system 10 provides a user with a functionalself-contained environment defined by the configurable enclosure 11 forentertainment, education, professional and business uses. The personalentertainment system 10 is also designed to provide certain creaturecomforts for the player so that the player will remain at the machinefor extended periods of time. In addition to a wide variety of availablegaming and other activities, a number of such activities can be playedsimultaneously to keep the players interest peaked. Moreover, thepersonal entertainment system 10 includes non-gambling activities thatinteract with the player as well as ways to select and participate inother casino events and facilities. In this manner, a player will tendto remain at a single personal entertainment system 10 without movingfrom machine to machine in order to achieve diversity of gaming andother and other activity to keep the players interests high.

The gaming and other activities that can be utilized with the personalentertainment system 10 are diverse and varied. All such gaming andother activities take place in a virtual reality environment created byadvanced graphic technologies. Examples of such virtual realityelectronic games include arcade games, bingo, progressive bingo, pulltabs, punchboards, poker, blackjack, sports betting, off-track betting,keno, slots and head-to-head gaming and other and other. It should beunderstood, however, that the system 10 of the present invention mightincorporate any desired type of electronic game activity as well asdiverse uses as shopping modules, education, medical and otherprofessional and business activities. As such, the personalentertainment system 10 may be configured to fit and adapt to aplurality of diverse markets and uses.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the configurable enclosure 11 preferablyspecifically includes a cabinet 12, which has a back element 14, and apair of side elements 16, 18. The side elements 16, 18 project outwardlyfrom the inner surface 20 of the back element 14 to create a cabinetenclosure having a front opening 22. A control panel 24 is secured toand projects outwardly from the back element 14 between the sideelements 16, 18 approximately mid-height of the cabinet 12. In preferredform, the control panel 24 has an upper surface 26, which is orientedangularly downwardly relative to the back element 14 as well ascontoured for a terrain effect 27 in order to prevent the placement ofarticles, such as beverage glasses, on the surface 26. In order toprevent inadvertent injury, all of the edges and the corners of the backelement of 14, the side elements 16, 18 and the control panel 24 arepreferably blended and contoured.

The virtual reality sequences are displayed on at least onehigh-resolution flat panel display screen 28 disposed along the backelement 14. In preferred form, there are three such high-resolutiondisplay screens 28, 30 and 32 positioned side-by-side adjacent eachother along the back element 14 above the control panel 24. When thereis only one display screen 128 as in FIG. 3, the screen 128 may bedivided into two or more portions with individual displays on each suchportion being presented to a player. In the illustrated embodiment, eachof the three such high-resolution display screens 28, 30 and 32 candisplay a different gaming and other and other activity or informationalcomponent available to the personal entertainment system 10 as desiredby the player. In this manner, a player can play multiple electronicgaming and other activities simultaneously. Moreover, when a playerbecomes disinterested in any one particular activity, he or she canreadily select a different activity for the appropriate display screen28-32. Alternatively, the three such high-resolution display screens 28,30 and 32 can be used in unison to create a widescreen panorama effect.

At least one, and preferably two, sets 34, 36 of programmable formatkeys 38 are positioned on the cabinet 12, preferably on the controlpanel 24, for use in selecting one or more games to be played anddisplayed on the correlating display screen. Alternatively there is anauxiliary touch screen 29 for use as a reconfigurable input area tocompliment or replace the programmable format keys. In the preferredillustrated embodiment, a fourth high-resolution display screen withintegrated “touch” screen 40 is mounted on the control panel 24. Themain touch screen 40 is preferably utilized as the primary controldevice for the entire personal entertainment system 10. Moreover, themain touch screen 40 may also act as a default for activities that mustbe displayed without interrupting the three display screens 28-32 aswell as acts as the primary player-interactive device. Further, the maintouch screen 40 may also display a gaming and other activity similar tothat of the high-resolution display screens 28, 30 and 32. A set 42 of aplurality of programmable control keys 34 is positioned on the controlpanel 24 below the main touch screen 40. The control keys 34 areutilized to activate a plurality of functions associated with the maintouch screen 40 including interaction with the high-resolution displayscreens 28, 30 and 32, interaction with facilities remote to thepersonal entertainment system 10 as described in greater detail below aswell as any gaming and other and other activity displayed on the maintouch screen 40. In the preferred embodiment, the programmable controlkeys 34, 36, and 38 are not installed and their functionality isintegrated into main touch screen 40 and auxiliary touch screen 29 asreconfigurable control entries that are presented and on the screensonly when those functions are active.

Since electronic gaming and other devices are moving away from the useof cash and coin, a secured smart access activation element 46 ispreferably disposed along the control panel 24. However, the element 46may also be a bill acceptor. The smart access element 46 may be a smartcard, a data key or any similar type of device as desired. Theactivation element 46 is preferably utilized to activate the personalentertainment system 10 and to access preselected information on aplayer smart card reader 46, data key 47, RFID reader 49, or othersecure, smart technology that specifically identifies the player to thepersonal entertainment system 10. Inserted therein concerning aparticular player's credit and payment information and other selectiveand desired information. If the personal entertainment system 10 is agambling device, payouts can also be credited to the smart card insertedinto the activation member 46, 47, or 49. In the preferred embodiment,the personal entertainment system 10 may also include a pin entryassociated with the main touch screen 40 and the activation member 46,47, or 49. In this manner, unauthorized players may not improperlyutilize misplaced or lost smart cards. Once the player is identifiedthrough any one of the means of described herein, credits and playerinformation may also be transferred vie the personal entertainmentsystem 10 secure communication network.

In one embodiment the first and second sets 34, 36 of programmableformat keys 38, each key 38 is preferably programmable and preselectedas desired by the casino operators or arcade operators for a specificgaming and other and other activity. Thus, a player need only press aspecific key in either of the sets 34, 36 in order to activate aspecific game on a specific display screen 30, 32. A central processoris provided in the cabinet 12 that controls all programmable functionsof the personal entertainment system 10. In addition, this processor maybe connected to and controlled by a core processing system locatedsomewhere in the arcade or casino establishment in which the personalentertainment system 10 is placed and which may interconnect allpersonal entertainment systems 10 placed within that one facility. Itshould be understood that a player of the personal entertainment system10 is limited to the gaming and other activities specifically delineatedby the individual keys 38 or selections on touch screens 29 and 40. Itis the casino or arcade operators who may program the functionalactivity selections depending on the gaming and other selection desiredby the operators. In this manner, many different gaming and otheractivities may be made available to a player of the personalentertainment system 10. Moreover, the programmable control keys 34, 36,and 38 or touch screens 29 and 40 may be programmed for interaction withactivities remote to the personal entertainment system 10. For example,a processing mechanism interconnects one or more of the display screens28, 30, 32 to a remote program input, which may include pre-establishedvideo programs as well as television broadcasts for selective operationby a player activating a particular selection.

The main touch screen 40, as previously described, is controlled eitherby function menus displayed thereon which may be activated by touch, andthe auxiliary touch screen 29, or by the keys 44 of the set 42 ofprogrammable control keys. The preferred embodiment uses an auxiliarytouch screen rather than the programmable control keys 34, 36, and 38.It should be understood that the main touch screen 40 also preferablydisplays activation points for the center display screen 28 similar tothe keys 38 with respect to display screens 30, 32. The control keys 44of the set 42 of keys are also programmable by the arcade or casinooperator for preselection to any desired activity. In one preferredform, a number of the keys 44 are programmed for interaction withfacilities remote to the specific personal entertainment system 10. Inanother embodiment, the keys 44 are programmed for a specific gaming andother activity to be displayed on the screen 40 as with thehigh-resolution display screens 28, 30 and 32.

For example, one key 44 may be preferably programmed for ordering fooddelivery from a restaurant located within the facility containing thepersonal entertainment system 10 so that a player may be served foodwithout having to leave the personal entertainment system 10. Likewise,another key 44 is preferably programmed for ordering drinks from a barlocated within the establishment facility. In one preferred form, themain touch screen 40, upon pressing of the appropriate key 44, willdisplay a virtual restaurant or bar that appears similar to a restaurantor bar facility located in the establishment. A menu is then provided,and the player may order accordingly. The cost of such food or drink oris automatically deducted from the player's credit limit indicated bythe activation member 46, 47, or 49. In preferred form, a printer 48 ismounted to the system 10 so that paper receipts may be provided when aplayer so orders food or drink delivered to the particular personalentertainment system 10. In the preferred embodiment, printer 48 is alsoa Ticket In, Ticket Out device to facilitate credit portability withinspecified facilities and to provide additional advertising features andrevenues. Moreover, another key 44 may be programmed to operate aselected video, while still another key 44 may be programmed to play atelevision broadcast. Additionally, one of the keys 44 is preferablyprogrammed as a pause key so that a player may suspended playerinteraction for a player break while gaming and other activity continuesautomatically for certain games a player has already initiated, such asbingo.

One or more of the keys 44 may also be programmed to allow a player toplay in head-to-head games with other players seated at an entertainmentsystem 10 elsewhere within the arcade or casino facility or even remoteto the facility. Numerous personal entertainment systems 10 may beselectively electronically connected for large head-to-head competitivegaming and other activities. In such instances, a video camera isincorporated into the personal entertainment system 10 forplayer-to-player visual contact. Electromagnetic interference shieldingis provided for each personal entertainment system 10 so that a personalentertainment system 10 is not inadvertently effected by a closelyplaced similar personal entertainment system 10 or by electronictampering from the outside, including in such head-to-head gaming andother operations. In the preferred embodiment, all of the aforementionedkey 44 functions are preformed on the two touch screens 29 and 40.

Additional features of the preferred embodiment of the personalentertainment system 10 also include an additional small display screen52 preferably offset to the side of the main touch screen 40 and inputbutton 53. This small display screen 52 provides continuousadvertisement material to be observed by a player, and the informationprovided thereon is selectively programmable by the casino or arcadeoperator. The input button 53 provides active feedback to theadvertisement screen with prizes to keep the player glancing at thescrolling advertisements. A footrest 54 is also preferably providedalong with cooling fans 56 to provide maximum comfort for a player whilethe player is seated at and operating the personal entertainment system10. Moreover, a cushioned chair a 60, as illustrated in FIG. 2 anddescribed below, as a preferred embodiment to aid in player comfort. Aprimary objective of the personal entertainment system 10 is to providemultiple gaming and other activities and options while also providingcreature comforts for a player so that the player will not readily leavethe machine and will remain at one machine for prolonged periods oftime.

Cameras 57, 58, and 59 provide video capture of the winning player forpresentation in a 2 dimensional or 3 dimensional images to other playersin multiple player environments. The cameras 57, 57, and 59 along withwireless headphones through the headphone port 13 and microphone port 15provide for video conferencing.

Wireless headphone port 13 provides for wireless headphone andmicrophone operations through means of Infrared, or RF such as Bluetooth or Zigbee with high fidelity stereo and 3D audio. Microphone port15 provides a standard phono jack style headset connection. Both thewireless headphone port 13 and the microphone port 15 can be used forhead to head game play, interactive communication and learning,telecommunications, and voice activated control of the personalentertainment system 10 for physically impaired players.

The preferred embodiment also contains 3D Stereo sound system withspeakers 17 located on each side elements 16 and 18 which operates inconjunction with or in place of the audio through the wireless headphoneport 13 and microphone port 15. The preferred embodiment also containsedge lighting 19, which extends around the leading edges of sideelements 16, 18 and the top of back element 14. The edge lighting 19 iscontrollable from the internal computer to provide various colored andstrobe effects. Additionally, the internal computer controls the edgelighting 19 to function as a tower light displaying operational statusof that particular personal entertainment system 10.

A primary feature of the personal entertainment system 10 is itschameleonic-like adaptability to the facility environment in which it isplaced. This chameleon effect is the result of several interactingfeatures, which create a configurable and customizable enclosure 11 tofit any number of desired markets. The outer surface of the cabinet 12components, i.e. the back member 14, the side elements 16, 18 and thecontrol panel 24, is preferably made from thermoform plastic or othermaterials and manufacturing processes as appropriate. The importance ofthis feature is that the materials and manufacture process selected isreadily adaptable to graphics and colors of virtually any selection.Thus, the graphics and colors are adapted to reflect and blend in withthe theme of the facility environment in which the personalentertainment system 10 is placed. In addition, the graphic features ofthe background and the electronic gaming and other activities displayedon the screens 28, 30, 32, 40 are also adapted to reflect the theme ofthe facility environment along with the edge lighting 19 and soundsemitted by the personal entertainment system 10 as a player operates thevarious activities provided by the personal entertainment system 10.Further, the design and colors of the chair 60 are also adapted toreflect the facility theme. In this manner, the entertainment personalentertainment system 10 provides a seamless portal to the facility inwhich it is placed.

In addition, the types of gaming and other or other activities providedby the personal entertainment system 10 can be modified and adjusted toreflect the type of facility in which the personal entertainment system10 is placed or market for which the personal entertainment system 10 isintended. For instance, an entertainment personal entertainment system10 placed in a bingo hall is primarily a bingo system, but a bingoplayer may take advantage of all the other features of the availablegames such as slots, poker, blackjack, keno, sports betting, off-trackbetting and many more while playing bingo during a bingo session.Likewise, a personal entertainment system 10 located in a Keno hallbecomes primarily a keno machine, but the player can participate in allother features including bingo if bingo is in session. This applies toevery other location as well. The entertainment system of the inventioncan be configured to meet unique legal, territorial, cultural andlanguage requirements. Other examples of selective markets includeeducation, real estate, medical and other professional or businessfields, and personal and home entertainment.

As an example of the chameleonic-like adaptability, if the arcade orcasino facility reflects a tropical island theme, the graphics andcolors of the cabinet 12 are provided to reflect the same theme. Also,the themes and graphics of the gaming and other activities displayed onthe various screens 28, 30, 32, 40 also reflect this tropical islandtheme as well as the lighting and sounds emitted by the personalentertainment system 10. Thus, the player is immersed into a tropicalisland environment when he or she enters the facility and this immersioncontinues as the player sits at and operates the personal entertainmentsystem 10 in that particular facility. If the facility environment isdirected to Caribbean pirates, then the personal entertainment system 10is adapted to reflect this particular theme. Simply changing the outerskin panels of the personal entertainment system 10 along with gamingand other programming changes to reflect a desired theme readilyaccomplish this chameleonic adaptation. In this manner, the personalentertainment system 10 adapts not to specific gaming and otheractivities but to the facility environment surrounding the personalentertainment system 10. Moreover, even personal shopping activities canbe programmed into the personal entertainment system 10 for largecasinos or resort applications.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a chair 60 is provided at the front opening 22of the cabinet 12 and is part of the personal entertainment system 10.In the preferred embodiment the chair 60 is permanently mounted to thefloor 62 whereby the swivel stand 64 is locked to an adjustable tracksimilar to an automotive style seat adjusting track with an over-camtype locking mechanism and a self-aligning electrical connector toprovide power and signal connections between the personal entertainmentsystem 10 and the chair 60. However alternate embodiments could presentthe chair 60 in a semi-fixed or freestanding configuration. The swivelstand 64 is adjustable both in height as well as in distance from thecabinet 12 utilizing standard chair adjustment technology. The preferredembodiment of the chair is heavily cushioned at 66 and 68 and includestwo foldable armrests 70, 72. In preferred form, the first armrest 70includes a beverage holder 74 and a smokeless ashtray 76. A storagecompartment 78 is also provided for placement of a player's personalarticles while operating the personal entertainment system 10. Thesecond armrest 72 includes a foldable tray 80 for food and the likeordered by and served to a player using features as described abovewhile continuing to operate the personal entertainment system 10. Inaddition, the chair 60 may selectively include a joystick 82 in thearmrest 72 for use by a player when the system is placed in an arcadeenvironment. It should be understood that any of the various itemsidentified above as secured to the armrests 70, 72 may be incorporatedinto either armrest 70, 72 or not incorporated at all depending on thedesires and needs of the operator of the arcade or casino facility inwhich the personal entertainment system 10 is placed.

The chair 60 also preferably includes an isolated sound system 84incorporated therein. The sound system speakers 86 are positioned sothat a player seated in the chair 60 may experience the maximum soundeffects of the games selected for operation on the display screens 28,30, 32, 40 while simultaneously limiting the projection of sound outsidethe specific personal entertainment system 10 spot location. In thismanner, a player may experience the sounds of the personal entertainmentsystem 10 without disturbing other players at other personalentertainment systems 10 located nearby. As a result of the featuresincorporated into the chair 60, a player is kept quite comfortable whileoperating the personal entertainment system 10. The features of thechair 60 enable a player to conveniently take advantage of food andbeverages ordered using the personal entertainment system 10 withouthaving to place such items on the cabinet 12 or the floor 62. Thus, theobjective of making a player very comfortable so that a player willremain at a personal entertainment system 10 for prolonged periods isaided by the features of the chair 60.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of the personalentertainment system 10 is illustrated. The personal entertainmentsystem 100 is designed for use on a cruise ships and similarenvironments where size and weight are key factors. It should beunderstood that like numbers indicate like parts with respect to thecomponents of the personal entertainment system 100 relative to thecomponents of the personal entertainment system 10. As can be seen fromFIG. 3, the primary distinction with the personal entertainment system100 compared to the personal entertainment system 10 of FIG. 1 is thelocation of the three display screens 28, 30 and 32. In this particularembodiment, the outermost display screens 30 and 32 are preferablylocated on the control panel the 24 at either side of the main touchscreen 40. Preferably, the display screen 28 is enlarged relative to theother display screens 30 and 32 since it is the only one appearing onthe back member 14. Accordingly, the primary gaming and other activitybeing utilized by a player of the system 100 is displayed on the displayscreen 28. Other control features and programmable elements are the sameas those illustrated in the system 10 of FIG. 1.

As referred to above, the personal entertainment system 100 may beplaced in multiple numbers in any one facility and networked togetherand controlled by a central facility processing system. The personalentertainment system 100 are preferably concentrated in a designatedarea of a gaming and other facility such as a casino, bingo hall,entertainment complex or similar environment, and multiple locations canbe connected by way of wide area networking to increase the size of theprizes which are relative to the number of players for a game. Aprogressive bingo feature of the personal entertainment system 10 and100 can be played concurrent with paper bingo in a facility, playedseparately in the same facility, or played without paper bingo in adistinct facility. Although bingo is a core revenue producer, playerscan choose from a variety of activities including bingo, pull tabs,punch boards, dining, shopping, arcade games, head-to-head video gamingand other, television, music, poker, black jack, sports betting,off-track betting and keno, among others. Unlike prior art electronicbingo aids or systems, the personal entertainment system 10 and 100 canbe utilized to generate revenue even when bingo is not in session byallowing customers to use the many other features described above. Oneexample is an off-track betting kiosk wherein bingo and off-trackbetting can be coupled and situated in an off-track or Para-mutualparlor, where legal, or located in a casino proper.

As can be seen from the above, the entertainment system of the presentinvention provides a personal electronic gaming and other activities,which are unique and flexible. The electronic gaming and other system ofthe invention is adapted for multiple electronic game options for aplayer thereof for to be played simultaneously and can be played ineither an arcade for simple entertainment purposes or a casino for avariety of gambling options. The system is configurable and customizableto adapt to and fit virtually any desired market. The present inventionprovides an electronic gaming and other system for simultaneous gamingand other options and has chameleonic-like adaptability for theenvironment into which it is placed. In addition, the entertainmentsystem of the present invention not only provides a variety of gamingand other activities and entertainment, but players can enjoy all ofthese in considerable comfort. Food, beverages and alcoholic drinks canbe ordered from the entertainment system by way of virtual restaurantsand bars that look like the real counterpart of the facility in whichthe system placed. A player sits comfortably in special ergonomicseating provided as a part of the entertainment system and can enjoysatellite television, videos and the like at no additional charge whilesimultaneously engaging the gaming and other activities which provideprofit to the establishment owners of the system. The system ofinvention also provides features like a footrest, fans to cool tiredfeet, and adjustable seats, all to increase the comfort and overallenjoyment of a player's experience. As a result, players are less likelyto leave a machine to look for other machines providing different gamingand other activities or to seek out food or beverage refreshments.Consequently, the longer a player remains at a machine, the greater therevenue to the facility owning the machine. Thus, the present inventionis adapted to provide a chameleon-like capability to blend into theenvironment of the facility housing the entertainment system whilesimultaneously retaining a player's interest and presence, all of whichaid in keeping a player actively engaged with the machine therebygenerating revenue for the arcade or casino owners of the machine. Thetechnology is a pre-selection of entertainment, gaming and other andcommunication for individuals or groups of individuals to provide thevarious selections outlined above.

The foregoing description and the illustrative embodiments of thepresent invention have been described in detail in varying modificationsand alternate embodiments. It should be understood, however, that theforegoing description of the present invention is exemplary only, andthat the scope of the present invention is to be limited to the claimsas interpreted in view of the prior art. Moreover, the inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element, which is not specifically disclosed herein.

1. A personal entertainment system for providing multiple electronicfeatures and options including gaming, pure entertainment, education andbusiness applications for a player thereof, said system comprising: aconsole cabinet having a back element and defining a customizable andconfigurable enclosure with a front opening; a control panel projectingoutwardly from said back element toward said front opening; at least onedisplay screen positioned on said back element above said control paneland viewable by a player from said front opening, said display screenbeing adapted to display one or more of a plurality of electronic gamesand other applications selectively available to a player; at least oneinput device comprised of at least one touch screen and/or a set of aplurality of programmable format keys for use in selecting one or moregames to be played and displayed on said display screen; at least onemain touch screen positioned on said control panel; a set of a pluralityof programmable control keys for use in activating a plurality offunctions associated with said touch screen, said main touch screenfunctions including interaction with said display screen, interactionwith facilities remote to said console, and for use in selecting one ormore games to be played and displayed on said touch screen; a securedsmart access activation member disposed along said control panel orfront opening for activating said system and adaptable for accessingpreselected information concerning a player's credit and paymentinformation and other selective information; and means for connecting adisplay screen to a remote program including a video program and atelevision broadcast program for selective operation by a player.
 2. Theentertainment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system includesthree display screens aligned substantially side by side across saidback element, at least one touch screen and a pair of said sets ofprogrammable format keys, each said set of programmable format keysbeing positioned on said control panel below and associated with anoutwardly positioned display screen for interacting with said associatedoutwardly positioned display screen.
 3. The entertainment system asclaimed in claim 2, wherein said three display screens are controlled bysaid main touch screen, said auxiliary touch screen, and said set ofprogrammable control keys positioned on said control panel below saidtouch screen.
 4. The entertainment system as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid system further comprises a receipt printer associated with saidcontrol panel for printing receipts for services and items coordinatedby said control keys and received by a player while utilizing saidsystem.
 5. The entertainment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidsystem printer becomes a Ticket in Ticket out device for receipt ofticket credits in addition to the other printer functions.
 6. Theentertainment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system includesa pin entry associated with said main touch screen and said smart accessactivation member.
 7. The entertainment system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said system is adapted for multiple concurrent use in providingmultiple electronic activities simultaneously while being displayed onone or more of said display screens and touch screen.
 8. Theentertainment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said a set ofprogrammable control keys includes a key for ordering food delivery fromsaid remote facilities to said console cabinet, a key for orderingliquid refreshment delivery from said remote facilities to said consolecabinet, a video play key, a television play key, and a pause key forsuspending player interaction for player breaks while gaming and otheractivities continue.
 9. The entertainment system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said system contains an auxiliary touch screen providing virtualprogrammable control keys includes a key for ordering food delivery fromsaid remote facilities to said console cabinet, a key for orderingliquid refreshment delivery from said remote facilities to said consolecabinet, a video play key, a television play key, and a pause key forsuspending player interaction for player breaks while gaming and otheractivities continue.
 10. The entertainment system as claimed in claim 8and claim 9, wherein said remote facilities include a restaurant and barlocated in a building environment containing said system, and whereinsaid system includes a virtual restaurant display associated with saidkey for ordering food delivery and a virtual bar display associated withsaid key for ordering liquid refreshment delivery, said virtual displaysbeing exhibited on one said display screen, said virtual restaurant andsaid virtual bar displays reflecting the actual counterpart facilitiesin the building environment wherein said system is located.
 11. Theentertainment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system isadapted to interact with other remotely located entertainment systemsfor head-to-head gaming and other activities.
 12. The entertainmentsystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system is adapted to interactwith other remotely located students and instructors in an educationalenvironment. Said students include military personnel for virtualaccelerated learning to include mission briefings, tactical andstrategic planning, and other virtual learning applications.
 13. Theentertainment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said system isadapted to interact with other remotely located persons forconferencing, groups discussions, and other telecommunications.
 14. Theentertainment system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control panelis oriented angularly downwardly relative to said back element andcontoured for a terrain effect in a manner to substantially inhibitplacement of articles thereon, and wherein said cabinet and controlpanel include molded and contoured corners and edges to substantiallyeliminate sharp edges and points.
 15. The entertainment system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said system further comprises a chair fixedrelative to said console at said console enclosure front opening for useby a player when operating said system.
 16. The entertainment system asclaimed in claim 11, wherein said chair is height and distanceadjustable relative to said cabinet, and wherein said chair includesfirst and second movable and foldable armrests along with a containedsound system interacting with said display and touch screens.
 17. Theentertainment system as claimed in claim 16, wherein said first andsecond armrests selectively include a beverage holder, a smokelessashtray, a foldable tray, and a storage compartment for personalarticles.
 18. The entertainment system as claimed in claim 17, whereinsaid beverage holder contains an active device for heating or coolingsaid beverage.
 19. The entertainment system as claimed in claim 1,wherein said cabinet further comprises a footrest disposed beneath saidconsole, and a cooling element disposed beneath said console foraerating a player's feet and legs.
 20. The entertainment system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein a small flat panel screen is disposed onsaid control panel offset from said main touch screen for providingselective advertising information to a player.
 21. The entertainmentsystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein a small flat panel screen isdisposed on said control panel offset from said main touch screen forproviding virtual programmable control keys,
 22. A video-basedelectronic gaming and other system for providing multiple, simultaneouselectronic game activities for a player thereof and havingchameleonic-like adaptation capability to blend in with the environmentin which said system is placed, said system comprising: a consolecabinet enclosure having a back element and side elements forming apartial enclosure with a front opening, and a control panel projectingoutwardly from said back element toward said front opening, said cabinetouter surface material being formed from thermoform plastic or othermaterials and manufacturing processes as appropriate having graphics andcolors reflecting and adapting to the environment in which said cabinetis placed, and said control panel being oriented angularly downwardlyrelative to said back and side elements and contoured for a terraineffect in a manner to substantially inhibit placement of beveragecontainers and other articles thereon; a plurality of three displayscreens aligned substantially adjacent each other across said backelement above said control panel and viewable by a player from saidfront opening, said display screens being adapted to display one or moreof a plurality of electronic games selectively available to a player;two sets of a plurality of programmable format keys positioned on saidcontrol panel, each said set of format keys being associated with anoutwardly positioned display screen for interacting with said associatedoutwardly positioned display screen for use in selecting one or moregames to be played and displayed on the associated display screen; atleast one main touch screen positioned on said control panel; a set of aplurality of programmable control keys positioned on said control panelbelow said main touch screen for use in activating a plurality offunctions associated with said touch screen, said main touch screenfunctions including interaction with said display screen, interactionwith facilities remote to said console within the environment in whichsaid system is placed, and for use in selecting one or more games to beplayed and displayed on said touch screen; an auxiliary touch screenproviding virtual programmable control keys positioned on said controlpanel beside said main touch screen for use in activating a plurality offunctions associated with said touch screen, said main touch screenfunctions including interaction with said display screen, interactionwith facilities remote to said console within the environment in whichsaid system is placed, and for use in selecting one or more games to beplayed and displayed on said touch screen; a secured smart accessactivation member disposed along said control panel or front opening foractivating said system and for accessing preselected information on aplayer smart card concerning a player's credit and payment informationand other selective information; means for connecting a display screento a remote program including a video program and a television broadcastprogram for selective operation by a player using said format keys; anda chair fixed relative to said console at said console enclosure frontopening for use by a player when operating said system.
 23. The gamingand other system as claimed in claim 22, wherein said system isnetworked together with other said systems in the environment in whichsaid system is placed and controlled by a core system in saidenvironment.
 24. The gaming and other system as claimed in claim 22,wherein said plurality of electronic gaming and other activities arecontrolled by selection from said programmable function keys and arevariably selected from the group consisting of bingo, progressive bingo,pull tabs, punch boards, arcade games, video poker, video blackjack,sports betting, off-track betting, keno, video slots and head-to-headgaming and other.
 25. The gaming and other system as claimed in claim24, wherein said set of programmable control keys includes a key forordering food delivery to said console cabinet from said remotefacilities in the environment in which said system is placed, a key forordering liquid refreshment delivery to said console cabinet from saidremote facilities in the environment in which said system is placed, aselective video play key, a television play key, and a pause key forsuspending player interaction for player breaks while gaming and otheractivities continue.
 26. The gaming and other system as claimed in claim25, wherein said remote facilities include a restaurant and bar locatedin a building environment containing said system, and wherein saidsystem includes a virtual restaurant display associated with saidcontrol key for ordering food delivery and a virtual bar displayassociated with said control key for ordering liquid refreshmentdelivery, said virtual displays being exhibited on one said displayscreen with said virtual restaurant and said virtual bar displaysreflecting the actual counterpart facilities in the building environmentwherein said system is located.
 27. The gaming and other system asclaimed in claim 25, wherein said system includes electro magneticinterference shielding disposed thereon to prevent external interferencewith the electronic gaming and other activities of said system fromother proximate systems as well as outside entities.
 28. The gaming andother system as claimed in claim 25, wherein said chameleonic-likeadaptation capability comprises said cabinet enclosure graphic and colorselection and said plurality of electronic gaming and other activitiesvariably selected for operation by said system to suit and reflect thefacility environment in which said system is placed.
 29. The gaming andother system as claimed in claim 25, wherein said system is adapted tointeract with other remotely located gaming and other systems forhead-to-head gaming and other activities.
 30. The gaming and othersystem as claimed in claim 29, wherein said head-to-head gaming andother activities are displayed on all three display screens as oneelongated, continuous image.
 31. The gaming and other system as claimedin claim 25, wherein said chair is height and distance adjustablerelative to said cabinet enclosure and wherein said chair includes firstand second movable and foldable arms along with a contained sound systeminteracting with said display and touch screens, said first and secondarms including a beverage holder, a smokeless ashtray, a foldable tray,and a storage compartment for personal articles.
 32. The gaming andother system as claimed in claim 31, wherein said cabinet enclosurefurther comprises a footrest disposed beneath said console, and acooling element disposed beneath said console for aerating the feet andlegs of a player seated in said chair.
 33. A video-based electronicdevice for providing multiple, simultaneous electronic gambling,educational, and business activities for a player thereof, said devicehaving chameleonic-like adaptation capabilities to blend in with thefacility environment in which said device is placed, said devicecomprising: a console cabinet defined by a back member and a pair ofside elements projecting therefrom forming a partial enclosure with afront opening, said cabinet having an outer surface formed from athermoform plastic or other materials and manufacturing processes asappropriate having selectively variable graphics and colors reflectingand adapting to the facility environment in which said cabinet isplaced; a control panel projecting outwardly from the inner surface ofsaid back member toward said front opening and oriented angularlydownwardly relative to said back member and side elements, said controlpanel being contoured for a terrain surface effect in a manner tosubstantially inhibit placement of beverage containers and otherarticles thereon, the outer surface of said control panel includingthermoform plastic having selectively variable graphics and colors alsoreflecting and adapting to the facility environment in which saidcabinet is placed; a plurality of three display screens alignedsubstantially adjacent each other along the inner surface of said backmember above said control panel and viewable by a player from said frontopening, said display screens being adapted to display one or more of aplurality of electronic games selectively available to a player, saiddisplay screens operating and displaying images independent of eachother as well as jointly together in one large display image; at leastone main touch screen positioned on said control panel; achameleonic-like adaptation feature in the form of said cabinetenclosure graphic and color selection as well as said plurality ofelectronic gambling activities variably pre-selected for operation bysaid device to suit and reflect the facility environment in which saiddevice is placed; a pair of sets of programmable format keys positionedon said control panel, each said set of format keys having a pluralityof format keys associated with one of two outwardly positioned displayscreens for interacting with said associated outwardly positioneddisplay screen for use in selecting one or more games to be played anddisplayed on the associated display screen; a set of a plurality ofprogrammable control keys positioned on said control panel below saidmain touch screen for use in activating a plurality of functionsassociated with said touch screen, said main touch screen functionsincluding interaction with said display screens, interaction withfacilities remote to said device within the facility environment inwhich said device is placed, and for use in selecting one or more gamesto be played and displayed on said touch screen; an auxiliary touchscreen providing virtual programmable control keys positioned on saidcontrol panel beside said main touch screen for use in activating aplurality of functions associated with said touch screen, said maintouch screen functions including interaction with said display screen,interaction with facilities remote to said console within theenvironment in which said system is placed, and for use in selecting oneor more games to be played and displayed on said touch screen; a securedsmart access activation member disposed along said control panel foractivating said device and for accessing preselected information on aplayer smart card concerning a player's credit limits, winnings,purchases, and other payment and variably selective information; meansfor connecting one or more of said display screens to a remote programincluding a video program and a television broadcast program forselective operation by a player using said format keys whilesimultaneously continuing to participate in said electronic gambling andother activities; electro mechanic interference shielding meanssurrounding said device to prevent electronic intervention and intrusionfrom other said devices disposed proximate thereto as well as to preventelectronic tampering with the operation of said gambling activities; anda chair fixed relative to said console cabinet at said console enclosurefront opening for use by a player when operating said system and adaptedfor providing player comfort for extended sitting periods.
 34. Thedevice as claimed in claim 33, wherein said facility environment hasadditional remote facilities therein including a restaurant and a bar,wherein said set of programmable control keys includes a key forordering food delivery to said device from said remote facilities, a keyfor ordering liquid refreshment delivery to said device from said remotefacilities, a selective video play key, a television play key, and apause key for suspending player interaction for player breaks whilegaming and other activities continue, and wherein said system includes avirtual restaurant display associated with said control key for orderingfood delivery and a virtual bar display associated with said control keyfor ordering liquid refreshment delivery, said virtual displays beingexhibited on one said display screen with said virtual restaurant andsaid virtual bar displays reflecting the actual counterpart remotefacilities.
 35. The device as claimed in claim 33, wherein said deviceis networked together with other similar said devices in the facilityenvironment in which said device is placed, said devices beingcontrolled by a core processing system in said facility environment, andwherein said plurality of electronic gaming and other activities arecontrolled by selection from said programmable function keys and arevariably selected from the group consisting of bingo, progressive bingo,pull tabs, punch boards, arcade games, poker, blackjack, sports betting,off-track betting, keno, slots and head-to-head gaming and other. 36.The device as claimed in claim 35, wherein said device is adapted tointeract with other remotely located gaming and other devices locatedwithin and without said facility environment for head-to-head gaming andother activities, and wherein said head-to-head gaming and otheractivities are displayed on all three display screens as one elongated,continuous image.
 37. The device as claimed in claim 36, wherein saidelectronic gaming and other activities include bingo played within saidfacility environment and off-track betting interacting with facilitiesremote to said facility environment.
 38. A video-based electronicgambling device for providing third party outside systems such as, butnot limited to, bingo and off-track betting gambling activities inselective combinations for a player thereof, said device havingchameleonic-like adaptation capabilities to blend in with the facilityenvironment in which said device is placed, said device comprising: aconsole cabinet defined by a back member and a pair of side elementsprojecting therefrom forming a partial enclosure with a front opening,said cabinet having an outer surface formed from a thermoform plastichaving selectively variable graphics and colors reflecting and adaptingto the facility environment in which said cabinet is placed; a controlpanel projecting outwardly from the inner surface of said back membertoward said front opening and oriented angularly downwardly relative tosaid back member and side elements, said control panel being contouredfor a terrain surface effect in a manner to substantially inhibitplacement of beverage containers and other articles thereon, the outersurface of said control panel including thermoform plastic havingselectively variable graphics and colors also reflecting and adapting tothe facility environment in which said cabinet is placed; a plurality ofthree display screens aligned substantially adjacent each other alongthe inner surface of said back member above said control panel andviewable by a player from said front opening, said display screens beingadapted to display one or more of said bingo and off-track gamblingactivities selectively available to a player, said display screensoperating and displaying images independent of each other as well asjointly together in one large display image; at least one main touchscreen positioned on said control panel; a chameleonic-like adaptationfeature in the form of said cabinet enclosure graphic and colorselection as well as said plurality of electronic gambling activitiesvariably pre-selected for operation by said device to suit and reflectthe facility environment in which said device is placed; a pair of setsof programmable format keys positioned on said control panel, each saidset of format keys having a plurality of format keys associated with oneof two outwardly positioned display screens for interacting with saidassociated outwardly positioned display screen for use in selecting oneor more of said gambling activities to be played and displayed on theassociated display screen; a set of a plurality of programmable controlkeys positioned on said control panel below said main touch screen foruse in activating a plurality of functions associated with said touchscreen, said main touch screen functions including interaction with saiddisplay screens, interaction with facilities remote to said devicewithin the facility environment in which said device is placed, and foruse in selecting one or more of said gambling activities to be playedand displayed on said touch screen; an auxiliary touch screen providingvirtual programmable control keys positioned on said control panelbeside said main touch screen for use in activating a plurality offunctions associated with said touch screen, said main touch screenfunctions including interaction with said display screen, interactionwith facilities remote to said console within the environment in whichsaid system is placed, and for use in selecting one or more games to beplayed and displayed on said touch screen; a secured smart accessactivation member disposed along said control panel for activating saiddevice and for accessing pre-selected information on a player smart cardconcerning a player's credit limits, winnings, purchases, and otherpayment and variably selective information; electro mechanicinterference shielding means surrounding said device to preventelectronic intervention and intrusion from other said devices disposedproximate thereto as well as to prevent electronic tampering with theoperation of said gambling activities; and a chair fixed relative tosaid console cabinet at said console enclosure front opening for use bya player when operating said system and adapted for providing playercomfort for extended sitting periods.